Description
Book SynopsisEvery equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that 'dances' when you are on him, and the one that doesn't? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, trainer and examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse's posture. The horse's ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal 'core' muscles control the horse's posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance.
Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Visconte Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse's body and gently 'unlocking' areas that may be a little "rusty" while at the same time improving core fitness.
In
Core Conditioning for Horses, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse's posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you've always imagined.
Trade ReviewI love this book! My Swedish Warmblood mare needs to build core strength. I found the exercises to not only work to do that, my mare actually enjoys them! They have improved her flexibility, and since she seems to find them relaxing, I think it has improved our bond as well. I highly recommend this book.
Overall, I believe Cocozza sets up readers for success with their horses. I look forward to enacting the exercise plan with my horse and foresee a lot of arena dirt ground into the binding of my copy, as I'll need it with me for a reference while I ride.
Table of ContentsIntroduction
PART ONE — Understanding the Horse's Core 1. The Back: Where All Movement Begins 2. The Course of the Force in the Horse: The Core 3. Horses Are People Too 4. Assessing the Horse's Core and Choosing a Warm-Up Plan
PART TWO — The Core Conditioning Exercises 5. How to Ride from the Horse's Core 6. Ten Core Exercises for the Horse 7. Happy Bendy Horse
Acknowledgements Index p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Minion Pro'}
